Show Notes
In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Stephen Arnold from Aoris to unpack a timeless investing idea that often gets lost in noisy markets: a share is not a trade, it is part-ownership of a business.
Stephen explains how his early career in credit, global investing and business analysis shaped the Aoris philosophy, and why quality, durability and valuation discipline still sit at the centre of his process. He and Owen explore what it really means to think like an owner, why a concentrated portfolio can still be sensible when the underlying businesses are strong, and how investors can stay grounded when markets become obsessed with themes like AI.
The conversation also digs into patience, humility and transparency. Stephen shares why Aoris keeps questioning its own assumptions, why process matters more than fashion, and why clients deserve a clear understanding of what is owned and why.
Along the way, he reflects on finding his true north early, building Aoris to do one thing well, and why durable businesses and durable investment processes often come from the same habit: staying simple, asking better questions and resisting complexity for its own sake. If you want a calmer framework for thinking about quality investing, portfolio construction and long-term decision-making, this episode is a sharp reminder that curiosity, simplicity and discipline still matter.
Episode resources
– Emerging markets research
– M&A - most acquisitions fail
– Aoris portfolio and website
– Speak with the Rask Advice team
– Ask a question (select the Investors podcast)
Show partner resources
– ETF investor? Go beyond ordinary with Global X: View all funds
– Visit TermPlus to learn more
– Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit
– Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe
Rask resources
– All services
– Financial Planning
– Invest with us
– Access Show Notes
– Ask a question
– We love feedback!
Follow us on social media
– Instagram: @rask.invest
– TikTok: @rask.invest
DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from Australian Investors Podcast
Are gold, copper and other commodities becoming a longer-term portfolio decision rather than a short-term trade? In this Australian Investors Podcast conversation, Owen Rask sits down with Justin Lin of Global X to explore the idea of currency debasement, fractured supply chains and the case investors are making for hard assets.
Private credit has moved from an institutional niche into the portfolios of everyday investors seeking income and lower volatility. But higher income is not free: investors are paid to accept illiquidity, manager risk and the possibility that redemptions are limited when everyone wants out at once.
My guest for this week’s 2 Sense episode on The Australian Investors Podcast is Andrew Page, founder of Strawman - Australia’s #1 small cap investment community. Andrew is a very well known commentator, investor and all round good person.
Can AI make a business more productive — and less profitable? In episode three of The Business Stack of the Future on the Australian Investors Podcast, Owen Rask explores the pricing reset behind AI and the unit economics investors need to understand. If a tool helps four people do the work of ten, charging per user could mean less revenue even while customers get more value.
This episode is a special recording, taken live from Her Wealth Her Way II in Sydney, and features Scott Phillips, CIO of The Motley Fool, and Jess Leung, Portfolio Manager at Global X, alongside Owen Rask.